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5 Reasons That Everyone Loves Shenandoah National Park

Posted
Oct 23, 2016
by Robert Strong

People who enjoy Camping and Hiking go for the experience, rather than the amenities. In other words, scenery, the quality of trails, and access to scenic camping sites.

Shenandoah National Park offers all these aspects of camping and hiking, for those who frequently enjoy outdoor adventures. Those who have never visited the park should read on, for 5 reasons that every loves Shenandoah National Park, in the heart of Appalachia.

1. Watching the sun rise or set

The park and main road running through it run North and South. Visitors can choose from one of several summits or vistas, to watch the sun rise or set.

Visitors interested in a mountain top view will typically have less than a mile to hike, to watch the sun rise or set. The view and fiery colors of the sun are worth a short one mile trek.

2. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails

Many people go camping so they can take advantage of hiking opportunities. Some enjoy making their own way and have well refined navigation skills, allowing them to go off the beaten path safely. Others rely on marked trails used by other hikers. This doesn't mean they are walking on paved paths.

Dirt trails are maintained and hikers can find any type of challenge they're looking for. Simple trails, some rock climbing, crossing rivers, and traveling through tunnels are some of the experiences hikers can enjoy on the park's many trails. Over 100 miles of the Appalachian trail run through Shenandoah National Park.

3. Water features

Throughout the park, there are waterfalls, river, creeks, and swimming holes. The water features provide opportunities for all kinds of recreation, including fly fishing, swimming, or simply wading in a clear creek on a warm day.

Waterfalls provide plenty of scenery and make excellent backdrops for nature photography enthusiasts.

4. Dog friendly/camper friendly

The park is dog friendly. Many people who enjoy the outdoors take their dogs with them on adventures. The trails are maintained, so dogs can walk easily along the trails with their owners, without fear of becoming tangled in brush or getting injured by obstacles. The camp grounds offer sites for both tent and RV camping.So, those who prefer camping in comfort can bring their pets with no worries.

Hookups are not available. But, water and dumping stations are available throughout the camping areas. Some camp grounds open as early as March. Reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays, though some sites are first come, first served.

5. Plenty to do in every season

Though camping is limited to Spring, Summer, and early Fall seasons, visitors can enjoy the park year round. Swimming, hiking, and fishing can be enjoyed in three seasons.

Visitors who come to the park in the Winter can enjoy frozen waterfalls and can navigate any of the trails they are comfortable with. Some visitors may be able to use snow shoes or cross country skis. There is no shortage of places to see and trails to hike, in Shenandoah National Park.